Part E
Acoustic design and remedial advice
Separating wall and floor details, and remedial advice after a failed sound test.
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Testing & commissioning
Sound testing
We arrange pre-completion airborne and impact sound tests between new or converted homes, carried out to the Approved Document E procedure, and give you the test report building control needs.
When you need it
Regulation 41 of the Building Regulations requires sound insulation testing where Part E applies: new houses and flats with separating walls or floors, conversions that create homes, and rooms for residential purposes. Approved Document E asks for at least one set of tests for every ten homes in each group of similar construction, and building control usually asks for the first set on the first homes completed. The results must reach building control by the time completion is notified.
New houses and flats built to registered Robust Details, with the plots registered and building control notified, do not need pre-completion testing. That route is not available for conversions or rooms for residential purposes, which must be tested.
Tests need quiet conditions and finished separating walls and floors, so we plan the visit around your programme.
What is included
Included
- Test plan based on your house types and the testing rate in Approved Document E
- Airborne tests across separating walls and floors, and impact tests on separating floors
- Testing by testers with UKAS accreditation or ANC registration, as recognised in Approved Document E
- Report comparing each result with the Part E performance standards
- Results set out for you to pass to building control
Priced separately
- Acoustic or remedial design advice after a failed test
- Remedial work
- Retests, and the extra tests building control may ask for after a failure
- Robust Details plot registration, which is made with Robust Details Ltd
Your written quotation confirms the exact scope, what is included and any limits for your building.
What you receive
A sound test report giving the airborne and impact results for each test against the Part E performance standards, ready to pass to building control.
Sent as a PDF. We can send it to your building control body or agent on request.
Our reports and testing support the compliance process. Approval and completion decisions remain with your building control body: the local authority, a registered building control approver, or the Building Safety Regulator for higher-risk buildings.
How to prepare
- Site address, plot numbers and number of homes
- Plans showing the separating walls and floors
- Construction details for each separating wall and floor
- Homes essentially complete, with doors and windows fitted
- Access to the rooms on both sides of each test, with power
- Your target completion date
Send what you have. Missing details will not stop an enquiry; we will tell you anything still needed.
How it works
Tell usChoose the service or describe the job.
Written quotationScope, deliverables and price, confirmed in writing.
We manage the workArranged and coordinated by RegulaBuild. Technical work is carried out by appropriately qualified professionals.
Your reportThe output named in your quotation, with any follow-up.
Questions
What results are needed?
For new homes, airborne sound insulation of at least 45 dB DnT,w + Ctr through separating walls and floors, and impact sound of no more than 62 dB L’nT,w through separating floors. For conversions that create homes, the values are 43 dB and 64 dB.
What happens if a test fails?
Approved Document E expects remedial treatment and a higher rate of testing until building control is satisfied, and other homes of the same construction may need to be shown to comply. Acoustic advice, remedial work and retests are priced separately.
Do I need testing if I use Robust Details?
Not for new houses and flats built to registered Robust Details, where the plots were registered and building control notified. Conversions cannot use that route.
Often booked with
Combine them in one quote request
Approvals
Completion evidence and handover
Gathering the certificates, test results and statements building control needs before it can issue a completion or final certificate.
Design and approvalsView service
Part L
Air tightness testing
Pressure testing to measure air leakage against the design target, with a certificate for building control.
TestingView service
Where we work
Sound testing across England
Request a quote
Discuss sound testing
Start with this service and add anything else you need. If you are unsure, say so and we will advise.